WAKASA MEMORIAL STONE
INTRODUCTION:
For Japanese American survivors and descendants, Topaz Museum Board members, Delta community members, and other stakeholders who have been profoundly affected by the discovery and relocation of the Wakasa Memorial Stone, the past five years have been hurtful and emotional. We have been caught in a painful conflict that has slowed our ability to work together as a community.
The Topaz Museum Board (TMB) created this timeline to acknowledge actions taken to protect and preserve the Wakasa Memorial Stone, despite the difficult circumstances. These include actions that have created division as well as fragile partnerships. The intention of this timeline is to acknowledge the complex shared history of what has happened and what we have gone through, while continuing to care for the stone. What we wish for most is to move forward with a collaborative community effort that brings people together in partnership to decide the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone.
In Summer 2025, we began a process by hiring a restorative justice practitioner and memorialization museum expert to talk with Japanese Americans and other stakeholders, in order to create an inclusive community engagement process that will help us determine the best location for the Wakasa Memorial Stone and co-create a respectful narrative that tells the story of this important artifact. The future of the stone will be determined through a decision-making process shared with the Topaz community that prioritizes Japanese American survivors and descendants’ voices.
BACKGROUND HISTORY:
In 2020, a large stone, approximately four feet long, was found partially buried just inside the west fence at the Topaz historic site by two archaeologists who presumed it to be part of a memorial erected to commemorate the violent and unjust death of James Hatsuaki Wakasa on April 11, 1943.
On that day, Topaz incarceree James Hatsuaki Wakasa was shot and killed by a military sentry as he was walking his dog near the west fence of the Topaz concentration camp. His killing was ruled as “justified” during the soldier’s court martial military trial and nearly 2,000 Topaz inmates attended Mr. Wakasa’s funeral. In June 1943, when it was discovered that members of the agricultural landscape crew had erected a monument in his memory, they were ordered by camp administration to remove it. In a letter to Dillon S. Myer, Director of the War Relocation Authority, dated June 21, 1943, Topaz Project Director Charles F. Ernst reported, “The monument has been torn down and the rocks which were used in this construction have been completely removed from sight.”
In 2021, after the exact location of the stone was published on a public website, the stone was moved to the Topaz Museum to protect it from possible vandalism. The Wakasa Memorial Stone is currently safe and secure in the Topaz Museum courtyard, protected by a custom-made protective shelter, designed to shield it from the elements and still be seen by visitors.
PROJECT MILESTONES:
2015
Independent researcher Nancy Ukai’s meticulous investigations of federal records uncovered documentation at the National Archives in Washington D.C. relating to Mr. Wakasa’s death. Among her discoveries was a copy of the press release the camp officials published, which accused Wakasa of trying to crawl through the fence and escape. The press release also noted that after the shooting, heavily armed soldiers monitored the camp. Ukai also found a detailed, hand-drawn map by fellow inmate George Shimamoto, drawn the day after Mr. Wakasa’s death, indicating where he was shot and killed at the camp site.
July 7-8, 2017
Topaz Museum’s Official Grand Opening was held in Salt Lake City and Delta, Utah with over 500 Topaz survivors, descendants, Utah residents and officials including the Counsel General of Japan in San Francisco and Denver and other supporters in attendance. Events included receptions, dinners, and distinguished speakers such as Don Tamaki, an attorney for the celebrated Fred Korematsu appeal case, and Dr. Franklin Odo, former director of the Asian Pacific American Program at the Smithsonian.
September 15, 2020
“The Demolished Monument,” a powerful and compelling article about the death of James Hatsuaki Wakasa was written and published by Nancy Ukai on her 50 Objects project website and included a digital copy of Mr. Shimamoto’s hand drawn map.
September 18-20, 2020
Based on the information in Ukai’s article, archaeologists Jeff Burton, an employee of the Manzanar National Historic Site, accompanied by his wife, Mary Farrell, traveled to the Topaz historic site and located what they assumed was the Wakasa memorial. However, the archaeologists did not contact the Topaz Museum Board of their visit nor ask permission to investigate. We were surprised to learn that they spent three days surveying without notifying the TMB, which is legally responsible for the protection of the site.
October 15, 2020
Without the Board’s knowledge, an ad-hoc committee of people began meeting to explore options and next steps regarding the stone. The TMB was not invited to participate in these discussions until the end of the month, after some members questioned why TMB was not present at these conversations.
After TMB joined the committee, we cautioned the group about sharing confidential information about the stone’s location, for fear of possible vandalism since looting, vandalism, and the removal of artifacts are ongoing problems at the Topaz site. TMB also informed the committee that traffic at the site and the desert west of the site had increased dramatically during the COVID pandemic.
January 2021
An archaeological report by Jeff Burton, detailing the discovery of the stone was submitted to TMB and the committee for review. TMB corrected errors in the copy and returned it to Burton.
July 4, 2021
Although the TMB requested that the location of the stone not be made public, in July 2021, a version of Burton’s archaeological report was published in five parts on the Discover Nikkei website. Although it is general practice to redact sensitive information regarding the location of sacred artifacts when publishing articles for public use, the article revealed the exact location of the monument, pinning it onto Google Earth maps.
July 27, 2021
In its role as steward, the Topaz Museum Board decided to protect the monument by relocating it to the museum courtyard. Blinded by our sense of urgency and exercising an abundance of caution, the TMB made the serious mistake of unilaterally deciding to move the monument and failed to invite the Japanese American descendant community to be present at the excavation.
July 28, 2021
By the next day, TMB had received many letters expressing anger and hurt about our actions. Museum founder Jane Beckwith acknowledged the harm caused and apologized days after the stone was moved, and to this day, the Topaz Museum Board truly regrets our actions and offered our sincere apologies.
September 7, 2021
The Wakasa Memorial Committee (WMC) was formed and the first letters between WMC and TMB were exchanged, in an attempt to bridge the damaged trust and build a working relationship. These correspondences have continued up to today.
December 2021
The first protective shelter for the Wakasa Memorial Stone was built and installed over the stone in the Topaz Museum courtyard. This structure was constructed from metal, with a hinged lid that easily opened for visitors to view the stone.
November 29 – December 1, 2021
Upon the suggestion by WMC, Topaz Museum invited National Parks Service (NPS) Program Manager Justin Henderson to conduct an assessment of the stone. WMC was invited and twelve of their members attended. TMB welcomed the WMC and hosted a dinner the evening before the NPS began its assessment work. Day one was dedicated to an inspection of the stone and a healing ceremony was held. The second day was spent at the site where the monument was discovered and another ceremony, led by a Buddhist priest from Salt Lake City including a musical performance, was conducted. Remarks by WMC included their list of concerns previously submitted to the TMB. Finally, participants offered incense and flowers to pay their respects to Mr. Wakasa.
February 4, 2022
NPS’s Central Utah Relocation Center (Topaz) National Historic Landmark Condition Assessment Report was released to TMB, WMC, and Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Director, Dr. Christopher Merritt.
February 2022
As requested by the WMC, a zoom meeting mediated by Satsuki Ina was held with three representatives from the Board and three from WMC, to discuss partnering to plan for the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone and an 80th anniversary ceremony memorializing the death of Mr. Wakasa. This initial online conversation later evolved into a series of online meetings led by Utah SHPO Director, Dr. Merritt.
June 2022
As part of its effort to include public input on the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone, TMB announced the launch of the Topaz Community Outreach Project, designed to engage community stakeholders. A special invitation was extended to WMC members to participate. The primary methods for public engagement were in-person and virtual meetings as well as an online survey.
In order for the surveys and meetings to proceed unhampered by the conflict between WMC and TMB, the board decided not to attend the meetings. Our intention was to give the Topaz community a space to talk freely, but this created more mistrust and anger. The relationship between WMC and TMB further deteriorated.
The Topaz Community Outreach Project results were summarized in a final report and published on the Topaz Museum website. In total, more than 450 community members participated in one or more project activities.
July 23, 2022
WMC held a ceremony at the Topaz site observing the stone’s removal one year earlier. Once TMB received communications about the desire to hold this ceremony, we advised on logistical details for the safety of the attendees and to protect the site and its artifacts.
September 3, 2022
Meetings with facilitators began as our communication continued to break down. TMB accepted Utah SHPO Director Dr. Merritt’s invitation to moderate conversation with WMC regarding preservation and conservation of the Wakasa Memorial Stone and excavation site. The meetings included 3 members of TMB, 3 members of WMC, plus Merritt, former Utah state senator Jani Iwamoto, and NPS Program Manager, Justin Henderson (This group will hereafter be referred to as the 3:3:3). Merritt outlined the 3:3:3 meeting’s objectives and oversaw regular discussions, which began on September 28, 2022 and continued through March 26, 2024, and concluded once the meeting’s goals were met.
October – November 2022
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Merritt and with approval from the 3:3:3, the museum contracted John Lambert, Historic Masonry Consultant, Trainer & Expert Witness to conduct a two-day, detailed assessment of the stone and site and prepare a conservation and preservation report. Lambert was provided access to the video taken of the stone’s extraction for the purpose of providing him with the necessary information to make a professional assessment of the stone’s condition and recommendation for the preservation of the stone.
December 14, 2022
John Lambert released his initial report “Central Utah Relocation Center (Topaz) Wakasa Memorial Stone Assessment Report”. This report was made available to all members of the 3:3:3.
January 2023
TMB added eight Japanese Americans to the Board to ensure the depth and diversity of voices of our constituents, as future planning for the museum, including the historic Wakasa Memorial Stone artifact. All new members are Topaz descendants.
A retrofit to the Wakasa Memorial Stone protective shelter was completed, with WMC approval. The 3:3:3 had discussed the likelihood that the metal shelter over the stone could blow away. To avert such a possibility, the NPS architects asked for a wooden platform to be attached to the bottom of the structure and secured with 20 pieces of 24” rebar pounded into the ground. While the addition of the rebar made the shelter extremely strong, it also made it very difficult to remove to show the monument to visitors.
January – April 2023
Over several months, TMB members met regularly with WMC members to jointly plan the Wakasa 80th Commemoration. TMB sponsored a Friday night dinner and program at the Buddhist Temple in Salt Lake City on April 21 and coordinated event logistics in Delta on Saturday, April 22. WMC oversaw program content for Saturday events at the museum and site. Funding for the programs came from grants and the TMB.
April 21 – 22, 2023
Wakasa 80th Commemoration weekend was co-hosted by TMB and WMC. Over 200 people, who travelled nationally and internationally, gathered to attend the healing ceremonies held at the historic site and before the Wakasa Memorial Stone at the museum. Attendees, including members of WMC, had the opportunity to view and take pictures of the stone at the museum site.
June 2023
John Lambert installed foam insulation under the stone upon the recommendation of the 3:3:3.
August 15, 2023
John Lambert released a final report to the 3:3:3 that included the reports by NPS, a geological study of the stone conducted by geologist Dr. Eric Christiansen, and an assessment by Objects Conservator, Kimberleigh Collins-Peynaud as appendices.
November 2023
TMB invited Nancy Ukai to create a text interpretation of the history of the Wakasa Memorial Stone for a temporary exhibit at the Museum. We were disappointed that there was no response.
February 13, 2024
On the invitation of WMC, members of WMC and TMB met for a potluck dinner at Masako Takahashi’s home. At the potluck, peacemaking between WMC and TMB was discussed.
February 26, 2024
TMB sent a letter to WMC describing the third temporary shelter we would build to protect the stone, built in time for a visit by WMC in April. The new shelter was designed by architect Don Hartley, former head of Utah SHPO under the supervision of stone conservator John Lambert. It is constructed of wood and sufficiently weather-tight to prevent rain and snow from collecting on the monument, yet constructed to allow for natural ventilation to prevent heat build-up or condensation inside the shelter. The new shelter has doors in both the front and back that can be easily opened for visitors to observe the Wakasa Memorial Stone.
April 2024
WMC and TMB gathered at the invitation of WMC for a ceremony at the historic Topaz site, honoring the 81st anniversary of Mr. Wakasa’s death. TMB offered logistical support at the site and at the museum for this special event, that included a busload of public historians who had attended the National Council on Public History Conference in Salt Lake City earlier that week.
June 26, 2024
TMB invited WMC member Mari Matsumoto to join the Board’s Archaeology Committee. Unfortunately, the Board received no response.
October 2024
TMB and WMC participated in a community forum about the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone at the Japanese American Confinement Sites Consortium, held at the Japanese American National Museum. Topaz Museum board co-president Dianne Fukami read a public apology before the consortium, prior to the beginning of the session.
March 2025
Despite many meetings, one-on-one conversations, mediation sessions, and collaborative work on remembrance programs, communication stagnated. TMB invited a restorative justice practitioner and a memorialization museum expert as partners to help develop a plan for community meetings.
August 2025
Recognizing that WMC and TMB desire the same outcome of honoring the life of James Hatsuaki Wakasa and the Wakasa Memorial Stone, TMB, in collaboration with our restorative justice and museum consultants, decided to launch a second community engagement project. Rather than TMB deciding what kind of process is needed to determine the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone, this project will ask stakeholders to co-create that process.
As the first step, TMB will invite WMC and other stakeholders to be interviewed to hear and understand their perspectives on the history and future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone. After the completion of the interviews, stakeholders will come together, and with the support of our experts, begin the work of deciding together what kind of process we need to honor the Wakasa Memorial Stone. We hope to launch this community engagement project to the general public in spring 2026.
We were disappointed that WMC declined to be interviewed, the first step in the co-creation of the community engagement project. The invitation to join TMB on this community engagement project remains open and TMB is hopeful that WMC will choose to work in partnership with us.
Photo: Brian Buroker
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WAKASA MEMORIAL STONE
INTRODUCTION:
For Japanese American survivors and descendants, Topaz Museum Board members, Delta community members, and other stakeholders who have been profoundly affected by the discovery and relocation of the Wakasa Memorial Stone, the past five years have been hurtful and emotional. We have been caught in a painful conflict that has slowed our ability to work together as a community.
The Topaz Museum Board (TMB) created this timeline to acknowledge actions taken to protect and preserve the Wakasa Memorial Stone, despite the difficult circumstances. These include actions that have created division as well as fragile partnerships. The intention of this timeline is to acknowledge the complex shared history of what has happened and what we have gone through, while continuing to care for the stone. What we wish for most is to move forward with a collaborative community effort that brings people together in partnership to decide the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone.
In Summer 2025, we began a process by hiring a restorative justice practitioner and memorialization museum expert to talk with Japanese Americans and other stakeholders, in order to create an inclusive community engagement process that will help us determine the best location for the Wakasa Memorial Stone and co-create a respectful narrative that tells the story of this important artifact. The future of the stone will be determined through a decision-making process shared with the Topaz community that prioritizes Japanese American survivors and descendants’ voices.
BACKGROUND HISTORY:
In 2020, a large stone, approximately four feet long, was found partially buried just inside the west fence at the Topaz historic site by two archaeologists who presumed it to be part of a memorial erected to commemorate the violent and unjust death of James Hatsuaki Wakasa on April 11, 1943.
On that day, Topaz incarceree James Hatsuaki Wakasa was shot and killed by a military sentry as he was walking his dog near the west fence of the Topaz concentration camp. His killing was ruled as “justified” during the soldier’s court martial military trial and nearly 2,000 Topaz inmates attended Mr. Wakasa’s funeral. In June 1943, when it was discovered that members of the agricultural landscape crew had erected a monument in his memory, they were ordered by camp administration to remove it. In a letter to Dillon S. Myer, Director of the War Relocation Authority, dated June 21, 1943, Topaz Project Director Charles F. Ernst reported, “The monument has been torn down and the rocks which were used in this construction have been completely removed from sight.”
In 2021, after the exact location of the stone was published on a public website, the stone was moved to the Topaz Museum to protect it from possible vandalism. The Wakasa Memorial Stone is currently safe and secure in the Topaz Museum courtyard, protected by a custom-made protective shelter, designed to shield it from the elements and still be seen by visitors.
PROJECT MILESTONES:
2015
Independent researcher Nancy Ukai’s meticulous investigations of federal records uncovered documentation at the National Archives in Washington D.C. relating to Mr. Wakasa’s death. Among her discoveries was a copy of the press release the camp officials published, which accused Wakasa of trying to crawl through the fence and escape. The press release also noted that after the shooting, heavily armed soldiers monitored the camp. Ukai also found a detailed, hand-drawn map by fellow inmate George Shimamoto, drawn the day after Mr. Wakasa’s death, indicating where he was shot and killed at the camp site.
July 7-8, 2017
Topaz Museum’s Official Grand Opening was held in Salt Lake City and Delta, Utah with over 500 Topaz survivors, descendants, Utah residents and officials including the Counsel General of Japan in San Francisco and Denver and other supporters in attendance. Events included receptions, dinners, and distinguished speakers such as Don Tamaki, an attorney for the celebrated Fred Korematsu appeal case, and Dr. Franklin Odo, former director of the Asian Pacific American Program at the Smithsonian.
September 15, 2020
“The Demolished Monument,” a powerful and compelling article about the death of James Hatsuaki Wakasa was written and published by Nancy Ukai on her 50 Objects project website and included a digital copy of Mr. Shimamoto’s hand drawn map.
September 18-20, 2020
Based on the information in Ukai’s article, archaeologists Jeff Burton, an employee of the Manzanar National Historic Site, accompanied by his wife, Mary Farrell, traveled to the Topaz historic site and located what they assumed was the Wakasa memorial. However, the archaeologists did not contact the Topaz Museum Board of their visit nor ask permission to investigate. We were surprised to learn that they spent three days surveying without notifying the TMB, which is legally responsible for the protection of the site.
October 15, 2020
Without the Board’s knowledge, an ad-hoc committee of people began meeting to explore options and next steps regarding the stone. The TMB was not invited to participate in these discussions until the end of the month, after some members questioned why TMB was not present at these conversations.
After TMB joined the committee, we cautioned the group about sharing confidential information about the stone’s location, for fear of possible vandalism since looting, vandalism, and the removal of artifacts are ongoing problems at the Topaz site. TMB also informed the committee that traffic at the site and the desert west of the site had increased dramatically during the COVID pandemic.
January 2021
An archaeological report by Jeff Burton, detailing the discovery of the stone was submitted to TMB and the committee for review. TMB corrected errors in the copy and returned it to Burton.
July 4, 2021
Although the TMB requested that the location of the stone not be made public, in July 2021, a version of Burton’s archaeological report was published in five parts on the Discover Nikkei website. Although it is general practice to redact sensitive information regarding the location of sacred artifacts when publishing articles for public use, the article revealed the exact location of the monument, pinning it onto Google Earth maps.
July 27, 2021
In its role as steward, the Topaz Museum Board decided to protect the monument by relocating it to the museum courtyard. Blinded by our sense of urgency and exercising an abundance of caution, the TMB made the serious mistake of unilaterally deciding to move the monument and failed to invite the Japanese American descendant community to be present at the excavation.
July 28, 2021
By the next day, TMB had received many letters expressing anger and hurt about our actions. Museum founder Jane Beckwith acknowledged the harm caused and apologized days after the stone was moved, and to this day, the Topaz Museum Board truly regrets our actions and offered our sincere apologies.
September 7, 2021
The Wakasa Memorial Committee (WMC) was formed and the first letters between WMC and TMB were exchanged, in an attempt to bridge the damaged trust and build a working relationship. These correspondences have continued up to today.
December 2021
The first protective shelter for the Wakasa Memorial Stone was built and installed over the stone in the Topaz Museum courtyard. This structure was constructed from metal, with a hinged lid that easily opened for visitors to view the stone.
November 29 – December 1, 2021
Upon the suggestion by WMC, Topaz Museum invited National Parks Service (NPS) Program Manager Justin Henderson to conduct an assessment of the stone. WMC was invited and twelve of their members attended. TMB welcomed the WMC and hosted a dinner the evening before the NPS began its assessment work. Day one was dedicated to an inspection of the stone and a healing ceremony was held. The second day was spent at the site where the monument was discovered and another ceremony, led by a Buddhist priest from Salt Lake City including a musical performance, was conducted. Remarks by WMC included their list of concerns previously submitted to the TMB. Finally, participants offered incense and flowers to pay their respects to Mr. Wakasa.
February 4, 2022
NPS’s Central Utah Relocation Center (Topaz) National Historic Landmark Condition Assessment Report was released to TMB, WMC, and Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Director, Dr. Christopher Merritt.
February 2022
As requested by the WMC, a zoom meeting mediated by Satsuki Ina was held with three representatives from the Board and three from WMC, to discuss partnering to plan for the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone and an 80th anniversary ceremony memorializing the death of Mr. Wakasa. This initial online conversation later evolved into a series of online meetings led by Utah SHPO Director, Dr. Merritt.
June 2022
As part of its effort to include public input on the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone, TMB announced the launch of the Topaz Community Outreach Project, designed to engage community stakeholders. A special invitation was extended to WMC members to participate. The primary methods for public engagement were in-person and virtual meetings as well as an online survey.
In order for the surveys and meetings to proceed unhampered by the conflict between WMC and TMB, the board decided not to attend the meetings. Our intention was to give the Topaz community a space to talk freely, but this created more mistrust and anger. The relationship between WMC and TMB further deteriorated.
The Topaz Community Outreach Project results were summarized in a final report and published on the Topaz Museum website. In total, more than 450 community members participated in one or more project activities.
July 23, 2022
WMC held a ceremony at the Topaz site observing the stone’s removal one year earlier. Once TMB received communications about the desire to hold this ceremony, we advised on logistical details for the safety of the attendees and to protect the site and its artifacts.
September 3, 2022
Meetings with facilitators began as our communication continued to break down. TMB accepted Utah SHPO Director Dr. Merritt’s invitation to moderate conversation with WMC regarding preservation and conservation of the Wakasa Memorial Stone and excavation site. The meetings included 3 members of TMB, 3 members of WMC, plus Merritt, former Utah state senator Jani Iwamoto, and NPS Program Manager, Justin Henderson (This group will hereafter be referred to as the 3:3:3). Merritt outlined the 3:3:3 meeting’s objectives and oversaw regular discussions, which began on September 28, 2022 and continued through March 26, 2024, and concluded once the meeting’s goals were met.
October – November 2022
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Merritt and with approval from the 3:3:3, the museum contracted John Lambert, Historic Masonry Consultant, Trainer & Expert Witness to conduct a two-day, detailed assessment of the stone and site and prepare a conservation and preservation report. Lambert was provided access to the video taken of the stone’s extraction for the purpose of providing him with the necessary information to make a professional assessment of the stone’s condition and recommendation for the preservation of the stone.
December 14, 2022
John Lambert released his initial report “Central Utah Relocation Center (Topaz) Wakasa Memorial Stone Assessment Report”. This report was made available to all members of the 3:3:3.
January 2023
TMB added eight Japanese Americans to the Board to ensure the depth and diversity of voices of our constituents, as future planning for the museum, including the historic Wakasa Memorial Stone artifact. All new members are Topaz descendants.
A retrofit to the Wakasa Memorial Stone protective shelter was completed, with WMC approval. The 3:3:3 had discussed the likelihood that the metal shelter over the stone could blow away. To avert such a possibility, the NPS architects asked for a wooden platform to be attached to the bottom of the structure and secured with 20 pieces of 24” rebar pounded into the ground. While the addition of the rebar made the shelter extremely strong, it also made it very difficult to remove to show the monument to visitors.
January – April 2023
Over several months, TMB members met regularly with WMC members to jointly plan the Wakasa 80th Commemoration. TMB sponsored a Friday night dinner and program at the Buddhist Temple in Salt Lake City on April 21 and coordinated event logistics in Delta on Saturday, April 22. WMC oversaw program content for Saturday events at the museum and site. Funding for the programs came from grants and the TMB.
April 21 – 22, 2023
Wakasa 80th Commemoration weekend was co-hosted by TMB and WMC. Over 200 people, who travelled nationally and internationally, gathered to attend the healing ceremonies held at the historic site and before the Wakasa Memorial Stone at the museum. Attendees, including members of WMC, had the opportunity to view and take pictures of the stone at the museum site.
June 2023
John Lambert installed foam insulation under the stone upon the recommendation of the 3:3:3.
August 15, 2023
John Lambert released a final report to the 3:3:3 that included the reports by NPS, a geological study of the stone conducted by geologist Dr. Eric Christiansen, and an assessment by Objects Conservator, Kimberleigh Collins-Peynaud as appendices.
November 2023
TMB invited Nancy Ukai to create a text interpretation of the history of the Wakasa Memorial Stone for a temporary exhibit at the Museum. We were disappointed that there was no response.
February 13, 2024
On the invitation of WMC, members of WMC and TMB met for a potluck dinner at Masako Takahashi’s home. At the potluck, peacemaking between WMC and TMB was discussed.
February 26, 2024
TMB sent a letter to WMC describing the third temporary shelter we would build to protect the stone, built in time for a visit by WMC in April. The new shelter was designed by architect Don Hartley, former head of Utah SHPO under the supervision of stone conservator John Lambert. It is constructed of wood and sufficiently weather-tight to prevent rain and snow from collecting on the monument, yet constructed to allow for natural ventilation to prevent heat build-up or condensation inside the shelter. The new shelter has doors in both the front and back that can be easily opened for visitors to observe the Wakasa Memorial Stone.
April 2024
WMC and TMB gathered at the invitation of WMC for a ceremony at the historic Topaz site, honoring the 81st anniversary of Mr. Wakasa’s death. TMB offered logistical support at the site and at the museum for this special event, that included a busload of public historians who had attended the National Council on Public History Conference in Salt Lake City earlier that week.
June 26, 2024
TMB invited WMC member Mari Matsumoto to join the Board’s Archaeology Committee. Unfortunately, the Board received no response.
October 2024
TMB and WMC participated in a community forum about the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone at the Japanese American Confinement Sites Consortium, held at the Japanese American National Museum. Topaz Museum board co-president Dianne Fukami read a public apology before the consortium, prior to the beginning of the session.
March 2025
Despite many meetings, one-on-one conversations, mediation sessions, and collaborative work on remembrance programs, communication stagnated. TMB invited a restorative justice practitioner and a memorialization museum expert as partners to help develop a plan for community meetings.
August 2025
Recognizing that WMC and TMB desire the same outcome of honoring the life of James Hatsuaki Wakasa and the Wakasa Memorial Stone, TMB, in collaboration with our restorative justice and museum consultants, decided to launch a second community engagement project. Rather than TMB deciding what kind of process is needed to determine the future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone, this project will ask stakeholders to co-create that process.
As the first step, TMB will invite WMC and other stakeholders to be interviewed to hear and understand their perspectives on the history and future of the Wakasa Memorial Stone. After the completion of the interviews, stakeholders will come together, and with the support of our experts, begin the work of deciding together what kind of process we need to honor the Wakasa Memorial Stone. We hope to launch this community engagement project to the general public in spring 2026.
We were disappointed that WMC declined to be interviewed, the first step in the co-creation of the community engagement project. The invitation to join TMB on this community engagement project remains open and TMB is hopeful that WMC will choose to work in partnership with us.
Photo: Brian Buroker